The route for the start of cycling's prestigious Giro d'Italia next year will include Belfast, Armagh and Dublin, organisers have confirmed.

The cross-border start to one of the sport's three Grand Tour races will be held over three stages from 10-12 May.

Michele Acquarone, head of the Giro and the managing director of Italian race organiser RCS Sport, said: "Belfast will provide spectacular backdrops for the 2014 Grand Partenza and will add something very special into the history of this great cycling event."